The Gilded Pinecone Ornament Free Pattern – A Knitted Winter Solstice Charm

Wrap your tree in woodland warmth with this knitted pinecone ornament, featuring a rich tapestry of bronze, amber, and forest green. Each scale is a tiny stitch of cozy texture, creating an heirloom piece that celebrates the quiet beauty of winter. This charming ornament is the perfect handmade gift, a delightful tree decoration, or a meaningful addition to your own holiday collection. The clever use of short rows creates a beautifully textured, three-dimensional pinecone that is surprisingly simple to knit. Let's get started on crafting this winter solstice charm!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. This project is perfect for using up small amounts of worsted weight yarn from your stash.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors: Bronze (A), Amber (B), Forest Green (C). You will need approximately 20 yards of each color.
• Needles: US Size 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles (or a circular needle for the magic loop method).
• Gauge: 22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical for this project, but a tight fabric is desired to ensure the stuffing (if any) doesn't show and the scales hold their shape.
• Other: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This ornament is knitted in the round from the top down, using increases to form the pinecone shape and short rows to create the overlapping scales. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful pinecone in no time.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (decrease)
• M1: Make one (increase)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rnd(s): Round(s)
• W&T: Wrap and turn (short row technique)

Top Stem

With Color A (Bronze), CO 6 sts. Distribute onto 3 DPNs (2 sts each). Join in the round, being careful not to twist.

• Rnd 1: K all sts.
• Rnd 2: M1 in each st (12 sts).
• Rnd 3: K all sts.
• Rnd 4: M1 in each st (24 sts).
• Rnd 5: K all sts.
• Rnd 6: K all sts. This forms the small stem at the top of the pinecone.

Body – Scale Rows

Switch to Color B (Amber).

• Rnd 7: *K1, M1* repeat to end (36 sts).
• Rnd 8: K all sts.

Now begin the scale pattern. Each scale is a short-row wedge that overlaps the next. The W&T technique is used to create a smooth, rounded edge on each scale.

Scale 1 (Color B)

• Rnd 9: K 12 sts, turn work (leave remaining 24 sts unworked).
• Row 10 (WS): W&T on first st, P back over the 12 sts, turn.
• Row 11 (RS): W&T on first st, K back over the 12 sts, turn.
• Row 12: W&T on first st, P back over the 12 sts, turn.
• Row 13: K all 12 sts, then continue knitting across the remaining 24 sts of the round (this closes the wedge).

Scale 2 (Color B)

• Rnd 14: K 12 sts (these are the next 12 sts after the previous scale), turn.
• Repeat Rows 10-13 for this scale.

Scale 3 (Color B)

• Rnd 15: K the last 12 sts of the round, turn.
• Repeat Rows 10-13 for this scale. You have now completed one full round of 3 scales.

Next Round of Scales (Color C)

• Rnd 16: K all sts (36 sts).
• Repeat the scale pattern (Rnds 9-15) but with Color C (Forest Green), starting at the first st of the round. This creates a second layer of scales that overlaps the first.

Next Round of Scales (Color A)

• Rnd 17: K all sts.
• Repeat the scale pattern (Rnds 9-15) with Color A (Bronze), creating a third layer.

Next Round of Scales (Color B)

• Rnd 18: K all sts.
• Repeat the scale pattern (Rnds 9-15) with Color B (Amber), creating a fourth layer.

Next Round of Scales (Color C)

• Rnd 19: K all sts.
• Repeat the scale pattern (Rnds 9-15) with Color C (Forest Green), creating a fifth layer.

Decrease for the Base

Switch to Color A (Bronze).

• Rnd 20: *K2tog* repeat to end (18 sts).
• Rnd 21: *K2tog* repeat to end (9 sts).
• Rnd 22: *K2tog* repeat to end (5 sts).

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure.

Finishing

Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle. Create a hanging loop by threading a piece of Color A yarn through the top stem and tying a knot. Gently shape the pinecone by pushing the scales outward from the inside. Block lightly if desired to even out the stitches and enhance the scale definition.

Your Gilded Pinecone Ornament is now complete! Admire the beautiful texture and the rich, warm colors that bring a touch of woodland elegance to your holiday decor. This pattern is quick to knit and makes a wonderful gift for knitting enthusiasts or nature lovers. Happy knitting!